Elle Is For Living!

The Simple Morning Drink / Tonic That Keeps Me Slim and Regular

Jumpstart Your Gut Health with My Morning Breakfast Drink

Support digestion, reduce bloat, and even lose weight—naturally

Have you ever woken up feeling sluggish, bloated, or just “off”? For years I battled with gut issues, and through lots of research (and a little trial and error), I’ve found one simple, natural practice that has made a huge difference in how I feel all day long.

It’s my go-to morning breakfast drink—a natural tonic you sip first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Trust me, it’s not just about hydration. This drink helps your gut become more acidic—which is exactly what you want to properly digest food, reduce bloating, ease constipation, and even support healthy weight loss.

Let me walk you through what’s in it and why it works.

🌿 My Morning Breakfast Drink Recipe

Ingredients:

¾ cup filtered water
½ to 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (with the "mother")
½ to 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
¼ cup magnesium water (optional)
A good splash of kombucha (optional)
A pinch of sea salt or sole water (optional)

🧠 Why This Drink Works

Apple Cider Vinegar: Supports stomach acid production, helps with digestion, balances blood sugar, and may curb appetite.
Lemon Juice: Alkalizing effect on the body post-digestion, helps detox the liver, and is a great source of vitamin C.
Magnesium Water: Excellent for muscle function, bowel regularity, and calming the nervous system.
Kombucha: Natural probiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.
Sea Salt/Sole Water: Rich in trace minerals and helps the body absorb water more effectively.

🕰 How to Use It

Drink it first thing in the morning, before coffee, tea, or food.
✨ Do not eat or drink anything else for at least 30 minutes.
This gives your digestive system time to wake up and get to work before anything else enters the picture.

💡 A Few Notes:

Start with less ACV or lemon juice if you’re new to this. You can always work your way up.
Use a straw to protect your teeth from the acidity. This has never been an issue for me but some folks like to do this.
Warm (not hot) water is great if cold is too harsh first thing in the morning. Personally, I love ice in my drink during the summer and warm in the winter.

👏 What I’ve Noticed

Since making this a part of my routine, I’ve noticed:

Better digestion (no more feeling heavy after meals)
Less bloating
Clearer skin
Improved elimination
Even a bit of gentle weight loss—without changing anything else

It’s such a simple practice, but it can have powerful effects over time. And best of all? It’s completely natural.

✨ Try It and Let Me Know

If you try this drink for a week or two, I’d love to hear how it works for you! Everyone’s body is different, but sometimes the smallest habits lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

Here’s to healing from the inside out—naturally. 💛

Sunday Chat: Good Works or Not?? What the Bible Really Says About Salvation

God saved you by his grace when you believed.

And you can’t take credit for this;

it is a gift from God.

Salvation is not a reward for the good things

we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Ephesians 2:8-9

But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me.

Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven

belongs to those who are like these children.”

Matthew 19:14

That even though we were dead because of our sins,

he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.

It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!

Ephesians 2:5

Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.

He did this through Christ Jesus

when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.

Romans 3:24

We believe that we are all saved the same way,

by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.”

Acts 15:11

But if it is by grace, it is no longer

on the basis of works;

otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Romans 11:6

For God saved us and called us to live a holy life.

He did this, not because we deserved it,

but because that was his plan from before

the beginning of time to show us his grace

through Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:9

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law,

does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!

Romans 6:15

In the same way, let your light shine before others,

so that they may see your good works and

give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

And as God’s grace reaches more and more people,

there will be great thanksgiving,

and God will receive more and more glory.

2 Corinthians 4:15

This same Good News that came to you

is going out all over the world.

It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives,

just as it changed your lives from the day

you first heard and understood the truth

about God’s wonderful grace.

Colossians 1:6

And you yourself must be an example to them

by doing good works of every kind.

Let everything you do reflect the integrity

and seriousness of your teaching.

Teach the truth so that your teaching

can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us

will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.

Titus 2:7-8

I have given you an example to follow.

Do as I have done to you.

John 3:15

In the same way, let your good deeds

shine out for all to see,

so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Matthew 5:16

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

These are my Mom's chocolate chip cookies and are delicious! They turn out perfectly. When I make up a batch, I bake up a cookie tin of cookies and then scoop the rest of the batter into balls, flatten them slightly and freeze on a cookie sheet and then transfer the frozen balls to a bag and freeze. So easy to grab the little frozen dough balls and cook whenever you want a fresh batch of cookies.

Elle's Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 C butter

! C sugar

½ C brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

2 C flour

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp soda

2 C Chocolate chips

Bake 375 F for 10 to 12 minuteds

Mix butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla

Add flour, salt and soda (I usually sift over the wet ingredients)

Add chocolate chips and stir till mixed

Elle's Everything But The Kitchen Sink Celery Salad

If you’ve ever thought of celery as just a background player, this recipe will change your mind. It’s fresh, flavorful, and completely customizable—Elle's Everything But The Kitchen Sink Celery Salad is perfect for using up what you have on hand. Packed with crunchy texture, and a bright punchy dressing, this dish proves that celery can absolutely shine on its own. Whether you serve it as a side, a light lunch, or part of a bigger spread, this easy, forgiving recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Elle's Everything But The Kitchen Sink Celery Salad

1 bunch celery, sliced into ½-inch thick slices

2 apples, chopped (gala or honeycrisp are nice)

½ English cucumber, finely chopped

1 shallot, quartered and thinly sliced

1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans or sunflower seeds or almonds or ???

cranberries or raisins

sliced grapes, optional

chopped dates, optional

¼ cup chopped or shaved Parmesan cheese

subheading: Dressing:

1 ½ cups finely grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup lemon juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

¼ cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon honey

1 clove garlic, grated

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For salad, add celery, apple, cucumber, shallot, dates, walnuts, and chopped Parmesan to a large bowl and set aside.

Sunday Chat June: The Two Most Wasted Emotions

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just

and will forgive us our sins and purify us

from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

“That is why I tell you not to worry

about everyday life whether you have

enough food and drink,

or enough clothes to wear.

Isn’t life more than food,

and your body more than clothing?

Look at the birds.

They don’t plant or harvest or

store food in barns,

for your heavenly Father feeds them.

And aren’t you far more valuable

to him than they are?

Can all your worries add

a single moment to your life?

Matthew 6:25-27

Be thankful in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you

who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thesselonians 5:8

Blessed be the God and Father

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our affliction,

so that we may be able to comfort those

who are in any affliction,

with the comfort with which we ourselves

are comforted by God.

Corinthians 1:3-4

We can rejoice, too,

when we run into problems and trials,

for we know that they help us develop endurance.

And endurance develops strength of character,

and character strengthens our confident

hope of salvation. And this hope will not

lead to disappointment. For we know

how dearly God loves us,

because he has given us the Holy Spirit

to fill our hearts with his love.

Romans 5:3-5

DSFDSFD

Elle's Spicy Chili Lime Chicken Tacos

If you're looking for a bold, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with almost no effort, you're going to love this Spicy Chili Lime Chicken. Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—it’s a simple, throw-it-in-the-slow-cooker kind of meal that rewards you with juicy, zesty chicken that's perfect however you serve it. Mark loves his stuffed into soft tacos, I pile mine over crisp shredded cabbage, and honestly, it’s just as good in crunchy hard shells. However you plate it, one thing’s for sure: this dish brings the heat, the tang, and all the craveable comfort you need. Let’s get cooking!

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (3 to 4 large chicken breasts)

½ of a small sweet onion diced

2 cloves garlic minced or grated

1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)

2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped (not the whole can, just the 2 chiles

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon oregano

½ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon salt + more to taste

⅓ cup salsa + more for serving

1 (4 ounce) can diced green chiles

juice of 1 to 2 limes

½ cup fresh cilantro chopped

8 Old El Paso Soft Tortilla Taco Boats warmed

shredded cheese + guacamole for serving

In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, brown sugar (or honey), chipotle chile peppers, paprika, oregano, cumin, cinnamon, salt, salsa and diced green chiles. Add ½ cup water, cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 4 to 6 hours. Once the chicken is done cooking, shred with two forks and then stir in the lime juice and cilantro.

Serve the chicken in warmed taco boats, tortillas or use in wraps. Top as desired.

I had over cabbage with guac and sour cream

Easiest Breakfast Quiche Ever!

This is the fastest and easiest quiche. Put a tortilla in the bottom of a greased round pie plate. If the tortilla doesn't fill the plate, then cut around a 2nd tortilla making a 1" round circle. Cut this and use to make the 'crust' around the edge. Add your mixture and bake - that is it! So easy and delicious.

Pie dish

Tortillas

Eggs

s&p

Any ingredients you have on hand: cheese, chilis, ham, bacon, onions, etc.

Grease the pie dish

Put a tortilla in the bottom with a second tortilla used as the edge/crust

Beat eggs with ingredients

Pour over tortilla in a greased pie dish

DIY Sole Water: A Simple, Affordable Way to Re-Mineralize Your Filtered Water

Did you know that when you use filtered or reverse osmosis (RO) water, you're not just removing harmful contaminants — you're also stripping away the beneficial minerals your body needs?

While I’ve been adding liquid trace minerals to my water for years, I’ll be honest — it can get pricey. That’s why I’m so excited to share this super easy, cost-effective way to re-mineralize your water naturally: Sole Water (pronounced so-lay).

What Is Sole Water?

Sole Water is a saturated solution of mineral-rich sea salt and purified water. It’s a natural way to replenish your body with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium — all of which are crucial for hydration, energy, and cellular function.

Why You Should Avoid Pink Himalayan Salt

While pink Himalayan salt is trendy and looks pretty in a grinder, studies have shown that it often contains trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium. Yikes! That’s why I always recommend using a high-quality, pure white sea salt — ideally unrefined and free of additives — for making Sole Water. It’s just safer and cleaner for your body.

Ingredients
Filtered water
Quart Size Mason Jar
1 to 2 C high quality white sea salt (crucial Four, Maldons, Jacobson's)
Steps
Put 1 C salt in quart container
Fill with filtered water to 1 inch below the rim
DO NOT USE METAL (no metal spoon or lid)
Top with a plastic lid (salt solution is corrosive)
Shake this well
Let sit for 12 to 24 hours on the counter
By the next day, if you still have salt crystals, you have a full saturated solution (if no salt, add a little more and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours till it is saturated - a light dusting of salt on the bottom)
Use ½ to 1 tsp in water first thing in the morning and then a couple drops in drinking water throughout the day.

Easy Instant Pot Yogurt

The first step sounds so obvious you may be tempted to skip it....DON'T! It is: Make sure all your glass jars fit in the instant pot. We won't talk about how I learned to do this step.

After that, it simply combining the ingredients and letting the instant pot do it's thing for as long as you can wait. I always try to do AT LEAST

jars - as many as will fit in your crock pot

2 Tbsp store bought PLAIN yogurt - I like greek OR 2 Tbsp yogurt left over from a prior batch

4 C milk

probiotics, optional (I like inulin)

Make sure your jars fit in the instant pot

Mix inulin and milk with whisk to REALLY combine

Gently stir in yogurt

Pour into glass jars

Put glass jars in instant pot

Set instant pot to yogurt setting for 36 hours on high

Southern Peanut Satay Chicken

We love peanut satay. Yes, even Mark as I don't use the word "Thai" in association with it (ssssh! Don't tell!). I call this Southern Peanut Satay due to the bbq sauce. I combined what I felt was the best from several recipes and came up with below....a super quick and easy Peanut Satay Chicken!

2 chicken breasts

⅓ C peanut butter (we like chunky)

⅓ C bbq sauce (we like Stubb's)

1 garlic clove, minced

½ tsp ginger

Mix sauce and spread half over chicken reserving the second half for dipping

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